British Navy Ship HMS Echo Visits Batumi

The British navy ship HMS Echo docked in Batumi this morning, the ship’s second visit to Georgia’s Black Sea port.

“Spectacular weather in Batumi Georgia this morning as HMC Echo docs in for a short break from operations in the Black Sea,” reads a tweet by the British Embassy Tbilisi. The UK’s Ambassador to Georgian Justin Mckenzie

The ship’s crew will perform various exercises with the Georgian Coastguard to further develop their relationship with one another.

“I look forward to working with the Georgian Coastguard once again towards our common aim of peace and stability within the Black Sea,” said HMS Echo’s Commander Matthew Warren. “HMS Echo’s presence [in the Black Sea] forms part of the UK’s commitment to working with regional allies to preserve freedom of navigation within the Black Sea in line with international law.

Black Sea security is a high priority for NATO and the EU. HMS Echo’s visit follows on from US Ship Ross’ visit to Batumi on April 21.